High density and bandwidth fiber optic apparatuses and related equipment and methods

ABSTRACT

High-connection density and bandwidth fiber optic apparatuses and related equipment and methods are disclosed. In certain embodiments, fiber optic apparatuses are provided and comprise a chassis defining one or more U space fiber optic equipment units. At least one of the one or more U space fiber optic equipment units may be configured to support particular fiber optic connection densities and bandwidths in a given 1-U space. The fiber optic connection densities and bandwidths may be supported by one or more fiber optic components, including but not limited to fiber optic adapters and fiber optic connectors, including but not limited to simplex, duplex, and other multi-fiber fiber optic components. The fiber optic components may also be disposed in fiber optic modules, fiber optic patch panels, or other types of fiber optic equipment.

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/886,342 filed Feb. 1, 2018 and subsequently issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,564,378, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/660,074 filed on Mar. 17, 2015 and subsequently issued as U.S. Pat.No. 9,910,236, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/746,938 filed Jan. 22, 2013 and subsequently issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,020,320, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/819,081 filed on Jun. 18, 2010 and subsequently abandoned, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/218,880filed on Jun. 19, 2009, wherein said U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/746,938 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/323,415 filed Nov. 25, 2008 and subsequently issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,452,148, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/197,068 filed Oct. 23, 2008 and to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/190,538 filed Aug. 29, 2008; wherein the entirecontents of all of the foregoing applications and patents are herebyincorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure

The technology of the disclosure relates to fiber optic connectiondensity and bandwidth provided in fiber optic apparatuses and equipment.

Technical Background

Benefits of optical fiber include extremely wide bandwidth and low noiseoperation. Because of these advantages, optical fiber is increasinglybeing used for a variety of applications, including but not limited tobroadband voice, video, and data transmission. Fiber optic networksemploying optical fiber are being developed and used to deliver voice,video, and data transmissions to subscribers over both private andpublic networks. These fiber optic networks often include separatedconnection points linking optical fibers to provide “live fiber” fromone connection point to another connection point. In this regard, fiberoptic equipment is located in data distribution centers or centraloffices to support interconnections. For example, the fiber opticequipment can support interconnections between servers, storage areanetworks (SANs), and other equipment at data centers. Interconnectionsmay be supported by fiber optic patch panels or modules.

The fiber optic equipment is customized based on the application andconnection bandwidth needs. The fiber optic equipment is typicallyincluded in housings that are mounted in equipment racks to optimize useof space. The data rates that can be provided by equipment in a datacenter are governed by the connection bandwidth supported by the fiberoptic equipment. The bandwidth is governed by the number of opticalfiber ports included in the fiber optic equipment and the data ratecapabilities of a transceiver connected to the optical fiber ports. Whenadditional bandwidth is needed or desired, additional fiber opticequipment can be employed or scaled in the data center to increaseoptical fiber port count. However, increasing the number of opticalfiber ports can require more equipment rack space in a data center.Providing additional space for fiber optic equipment increases costs. Aneed exists to provide fiber optic equipment that provides a foundationin data centers for migration to high density patch fields and ports andgreater connection bandwidth capacity to provide a migration path tohigher data rates while minimizing the space needed for such fiber opticequipment.

SUMMARY OF THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include high-densityand connection bandwidth fiber optic apparatuses and related equipmentand methods. In certain embodiments, fiber optic apparatuses comprisinga chassis are provided. the chassis may be configured to support a fiberoptic connection density of at least ninety-eight (98), at least onehundred twenty (120) per U space, or at least one hundred forty-four(144) fiber optic connections per U space based on using at least onesimplex or duplex fiber optic component. In other disclosed embodiments,the chassis may be configured to support a fiber optic connectiondensity of at least four hundred thirty-four (434) or at least fivehundred seventy-six (576) fiber optic connections per U space based onusing at least one twelve (12) fiber, fiber optic component. In otherdisclosed embodiments, the at least one of the chassis may be configuredto support a fiber optic connection density of at least eight hundredsixty-six (866) per U space or at least one thousand one hundredfifty-two (1152) fiber optic connections per U space based on using atleast one twenty-four (24) fiber, fiber optic component. Methods ofproviding and supporting the aforementioned fiber optic connectionsdensities are also provided.

In other embodiments, fiber optic apparatuses comprising a chassis maybe configured to support a full-duplex connection bandwidth of at leastnine hundred sixty-two (962) Gigabits per second per U space, at leastone thousand two hundred (1200) Gigabits per second, or at least onethousand four hundred forty (1440) Gigabits per second per U space basedon using at least one simplex or duplex fiber optic component. In otherdisclosed embodiments, the chassis may be configured to support afull-duplex connection bandwidth of at least four thousand three hundredtwenty-two (4322) Gigabits per second per U space, at least fourthousand eight hundred (4800) Gigabits per second, or at least fivethousand seven hundred sixty (5760) Gigabits per second per U spacebased on using at least one twelve (12) fiber, fiber optic component. Inanother disclosed embodiment, the chassis may be configured to support afull-duplex connection bandwidth of at least eight thousand six hundredforty-two (8642) Gigabits per second per U space. Methods of providingand supporting the aforementioned fiber optic connection bandwidths arealso provided.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detaileddescription which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing theinvention as described herein, including the detailed description thatfollows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description present embodiments, and are intendedto provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature andcharacter of the disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included toprovide a further understanding, and are incorporated into andconstitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate variousembodiments, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples and operation of the concepts disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic equipmentrack with an installed exemplary 1-U size chassis supportinghigh-density fiber optic modules to provide a given fiber opticconnection density and bandwidth capability, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective close-up view of the chassis of FIG. 1 withfiber optic modules installed in fiber optic equipment trays installedin the fiber optic equipment;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of one fiber optic equipment traywith installed fiber optic modules configured to be installed in thechassis of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a close-up view of the fiber optic equipment tray of FIG. 3without fiber optic modules installed;

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the fiber optic equipment tray of FIG. 3with fiber optic modules installed;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the fiber optic equipment tray ofFIG. 3 without fiber optic modules installed;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of fiber optic equipment trayssupporting fiber optic modules with one fiber optic equipment trayextended out from the chassis of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a left perspective view of an exemplary tray guide disposed inthe chassis of FIG. 1 configured to receive fiber optic equipment traysof FIG. 6 capable of supporting one or more fiber optic modules;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective and top views, respectively, of anexemplary tray rail disposed on each side of the fiber optic equipmenttray of FIG. 3 and configured to be received in the chassis of FIG. 1 bythe tray guide of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are front right and left perspective views,respectively, of an exemplary fiber optic module that can be disposed inthe fiber optic equipment trays of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a perspective, exploded view of the fiber optic module inFIGS. 10A and 10B;

FIG. 12 is a perspective top view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 11with the cover removed and showing a fiber optic harness installedtherein;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 11 withoutfiber optic components installed;

FIG. 14 is a front right perspective view of another alternate fiberoptic module that supports twelve (12) fiber MPO fiber optic componentsand which can be installed in the fiber optic equipment tray of FIG. 3;

FIG. 15 is front right perspective view of another alternate fiber opticmodule that supports twenty-four (24) fiber MPO fiber optic componentsand which can be installed in the fiber optic equipment tray of FIG. 3;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of an alternate fiber optic modulebeing installed in the fiber optic equipment tray of FIG. 3;

FIG. 17 is front right perspective view of the fiber optic module ofFIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a front view of the fiber optic module of FIGS. 16 and 17;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of another alternate fiber opticmodule being installed in the fiber optic equipment tray of FIG. 3;

FIG. 20 is front right perspective view of the fiber optic module ofFIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a front view of the fiber optic module of FIGS. 19 and 20;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of another alternate fiber opticmodule being installed in an alternate fiber optic equipment tray thatcan be installed in the chassis of FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is front right perspective view of the fiber optic module ofFIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a front view of the fiber optic module of FIGS. 22 and 23;and

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of alternate exemplary 4-U sizefiber optic chassis that can support the fiber optic equipment trays andfiber optic modules according to the fiber optic equipment tray andfiber optic modules disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples ofwhich are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, butnot all features are shown. Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used torefer to like components or parts.

Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include high-densityfiber optic modules and fiber optic module housings and relatedequipment. In certain embodiments, the width and/or height of the frontopening of fiber optic modules and/or fiber optic module housings can beprovided according to a designed relationship to the width and/orheight, respectively, of a front side of the main body of the fiberoptic modules and fiber optic module housings to support fiber opticcomponents or connections. In this manner, fiber optic components can beinstalled in a given percentage or area of the front side of the fiberoptic module to provide a high density of fiber optic connections for agiven fiber optic component type(s). In another embodiment, the frontopenings of the fiber optic modules and/or fiber optic module housingscan be provided to support a designed connection density of fiber opticcomponents or connections for a given width and/or height of the frontopening of the fiber optic module and/or fiber optic module housing.Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description also include highconnection density and bandwidth fiber optic apparatuses and relatedequipment. In certain embodiments, fiber optic apparatuses are providedand comprise a chassis defining one or more U space fiber opticequipment units, wherein at least one of the one or more U space fiberoptic equipment units is configured to support a given fiber opticconnection density or bandwidth in a 1-U space, and for a given fiberoptic component type(s).

In this regard, FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary 1-U size fiber opticequipment 10 from a front perspective view. The fiber optic equipment 10supports high-density fiber optic modules that support a high fiberoptic connection density and bandwidth in a 1-U space, as will bedescribed in greater detail below. The fiber optic equipment 10 may beprovided at a data distribution center or central office to supportcable-to-cable fiber optic connections and to manage a plurality offiber optic cable connections. As will be described in greater detailbelow, the fiber optic equipment 10 has one or more fiber opticequipment trays that each support one or more fiber optic modules.However, the fiber optic equipment 10 could also be adapted to supportone or more fiber optic patch panels or other fiber optic equipment thatsupports fiber optic components and connectivity.

The fiber optic equipment 10 includes a fiber optic equipment chassis 12(“chassis 12”). The chassis 12 is shown as being installed in a fiberoptic equipment rack 14. The fiber optic equipment rack 14 contains twovertical rails 16A, 16B that extend vertically and include a series ofapertures 18 for facilitating attachment of the chassis 12 inside thefiber optic equipment rack 14. The chassis 12 is attached and supportedby the fiber optic equipment rack 14 in the form of shelves that arestacked on top of each other within the vertical rails 16A, 16B. Asillustrated, the chassis 12 is attached to the vertical rails 16A, 16B.The fiber optic equipment rack 14 may support 1-U-sized shelves, with“U” equal to a standard 1.75 inches in height and nineteen (19) inchesin width. In certain applications, the width of “U” may be twenty-three(23) inches. Also, the term fiber optic equipment rack 14 should beunderstood to include structures that are cabinets as well. In thisembodiment, the chassis 12 is 1-U in size; however, the chassis 12 couldbe provided in a size greater than 1-U as well.

As will be discussed in greater detail later below, the fiber opticequipment 10 includes a plurality of extendable fiber optic equipmenttrays 20 that each carries one or more fiber optic modules 22. Thechassis 12 and fiber optic equipment trays 20 support fiber opticmodules 22 that support high-density fiber optic modules and a fiberoptic connection density and bandwidth connections in a given space,including in a 1-U space. FIG. 1 shows exemplary fiber optic components23 disposed in the fiber optic modules 22 that support fiber opticconnections. For example, the fiber optic components 23 may be fiberoptic adapters or fiber optic connectors. As will also be discussed ingreater detail later below, the fiber optic modules 22 in thisembodiment can be provided such that the fiber optic components 23 canbe disposed through at least eighty-five percent (85%) of the width ofthe front side or face of the fiber optic module 22, as an example. Thisfiber optic module 22 configuration may provide a front opening ofapproximately 90 millimeters (mm) or less wherein fiber optic componentscan be disposed through the front opening and at a fiber opticconnection density of at least one fiber optic connection per 7.0 mm ofwidth of the front opening of the fiber optic modules 22 for simplex orduplex fiber optic components 23. In this example, six (6) duplex ortwelve (12) simplex fiber optic components may be installed in eachfiber optic module 22. The fiber optic equipment trays 20 in thisembodiment support up to four (4) of the fiber optic modules 22 inapproximately the width of a 1-U space, and three (3) fiber opticequipment trays 20 in the height of a 1-U space for a total of twelve(12) fiber optic modules 22 in a 1-U space. Thus, for example, if six(6) duplex fiber optic components were disposed in each of the twelve(12) fiber optic modules 22 installed in fiber optic equipment trays 20of the chassis 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1, a total of one hundredforty-four (144) fiber optic connections, or seventy-two (72) duplexchannels (i.e., transmit and receive channels), would be supported bythe chassis 12 in a 1-U space. If five (5) duplex fiber optic adaptersare disposed in each of the twelve (12) fiber optic modules 22 installedin fiber optic equipment trays 20 of the chassis 12, a total of onehundred twenty (120) fiber optic connections, or sixty (60) duplexchannels, would be supported by the chassis 12 in a 1-U space. Thechassis 12 also supports at least ninety-eight (98) fiber opticcomponents in a 1-U space wherein at least one of the fiber opticcomponents is a simplex or duplex fiber optic component.

If multi-fiber fiber optic components were installed in the fiber opticmodules 22, such as MPO components for example, higher fiber opticconnection density and bandwidths would be possible over other chassis12 that use similar fiber optic components. For example, if up to four(4) twelve (12) fiber MPO fiber optic components were disposed in eachfiber optic module 22, and twelve (12) of the fiber optic modules 22were disposed in the chassis 12 in a 1-U space, the chassis 12 wouldsupport up to five hundred seventy-six (576) fiber optic connections ina 1-U space. If up to four (4) twenty-four (24) fiber MPO fiber opticcomponents were disposed in each fiber optic module 22, and twelve (12)of the fiber optic modules 22 were disposed in the chassis 12, up to onethousand one hundred fifty-two (1152) fiber optic connections in a 1-Uspace.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective close-up view of the chassis 12 of FIG. 1with fiber optic modules 22 loaded with fiber optic components 23 andinstalled in fiber optic equipment trays 20 installed in the chassis 12.Module rails 28A, 28B are disposed on each side of each fiber opticmodule 22. The module rails 28A, 28B are configured to be insertedwithin tray channels 30 of module rail guides 32 disposed in the fiberoptic equipment tray 20, as illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 3-5.Note that any number of module rail guides 32 can be provided. The fiberoptic module 22 can be installed from both a front end 34 and a rear end36 of the fiber optic equipment tray 20 in this embodiment. If it isdesired to install the fiber optic module 22 in the fiber opticequipment tray 20 from the rear end 36, a front end 33 of the fiberoptic module 22 can be inserted from the rear end 36 of the fiber opticequipment tray 20. More specifically, the front end 33 of the fiberoptic module 22 is inserted into the tray channels 30 of the module railguides 32. The fiber optic module 22 can then be pushed forward withinthe tray channels 30 until the fiber optic module 22 reaches the frontend 34 of the module rail guides 32. The fiber optic modules 22 can bemoved towards the front end 34 until the fiber optic modules 22 reach astop or locking feature disposed in the front end 34 as will describedlater in this application. FIG. 6 also illustrates the fiber opticequipment tray 20 without installed fiber optic modules 22 to illustratethe tray channels 30 and other features of the fiber optic equipmenttray 20.

The fiber optic module 22 can be locked into place in the fiber opticequipment tray 20 by pushing the fiber optic module 22 forward to thefront end 33 of the fiber optic equipment tray 20. A locking feature inthe form of a front stop 38 is disposed in the module rail guides 32, asillustrated in FIG. 3 and in more detail in the close-up view in FIG. 4.The front stop 38 prevents the fiber optic module 22 from extendingbeyond the front end 34, as illustrated in the close-up view of thefiber optic equipment tray 20 with installed fiber optic modules 22 inFIG. 5. When it is desired to remove a fiber optic module 22 from thefiber optic equipment tray 20, a front module tab 40 also disposed inthe module rail guides 32 and coupled to the front stop 38 can be pusheddownward to engage the front stop 38. As a result, the front stop 38will move outward away from the fiber optic module 22 such that thefiber optic module 22 is not obstructed from being pulled forward. Thefiber optic module 22, and in particular its module rails 28A, 28B (FIG.2), can be pulled forward along the module rail guides 32 to remove thefiber optic module 22 from the fiber optic equipment tray 20.

The fiber optic module 22 can also be removed from the rear end 36 ofthe fiber optic equipment tray 20. To remove the fiber optic module 22from the rear end 36 of the fiber optic equipment tray 20, a latch 44 isdisengaged by pushing a lever 46 (see FIGS. 2 and 3; see also, FIGS. 10Aand 10B) inward towards the fiber optic module 22 to release the latch44 from the module rail guide 32. To facilitate pushing the lever 46inward towards the fiber optic module 22, a finger hook 48 is providedadjacent to the lever 46 so the lever 46 can easily be squeezed into thefinger hook 48 by a thumb and index finger.

With continuing reference to FIG. 3-6, the fiber optic equipment tray 20may also contain extension members 50. Routing guides 52 may beconveniently disposed on the extension members 50 to provide routing foroptical fibers or fiber optic cables connected to fiber optic components23 disposed in the fiber optic modules 22 (FIG. 3). The routing guides52′ on the ends of the fiber optic equipment tray 20 may be angled withrespect to the module rail guides 32 to route optical fibers or fiberoptic cables at an angle to the sides of the fiber optic equipment tray20. Pull tabs 54 may also be connected to the extension members 50 toprovide a means to allow the fiber optic equipment tray 20 to easily bepulled out from and pushed into the chassis 12.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the fiber optic equipment tray 20 alsocontains tray rails 56. The tray rails 56 are configured to be receivedin tray guides 58 disposed in the chassis 12 to retain and allow thefiber optic equipment trays 20 to move in and out of the chassis 12, asillustrated in FIG. 7. More detail regarding the tray rails 56 and theircoupling to the tray guides 58 in the chassis 12 is discussed below withregard to FIGS. 8 and 9A-9B. The fiber optic equipment trays 20 can bemoved in and out of the chassis 12 by their tray rails 56 moving withinthe tray guides 58. In this manner, the fiber optic equipment trays 20can be independently movable about the tray guides 58 in the chassis 12.FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of one fiber optic equipmenttray 20 pulled out from the chassis 12 among three (3) fiber opticequipment trays 20 disposed within the tray guides 58 of the chassis 12.The tray guides 58 may be disposed on both a left side end 60 and aright side end 62 of the fiber optic equipment tray 20. The tray guides58 are installed opposite and facing each other in the chassis 12 toprovide complementary tray guides 58 for the tray rails 56 of the fiberoptic equipment trays 20 received therein. If it is desired to access aparticular fiber optic equipment tray 20 and/or a particular fiber opticmodule 22 in a fiber optic equipment tray 20, the pull tab 54 of thedesired fiber optic equipment tray 20 can be pulled forward to cause thefiber optic equipment tray 20 to extend forward out from the chassis 12,as illustrated in FIG. 7. The fiber optic module 22 can be removed fromthe fiber optic equipment tray 20 as previously discussed. When accessis completed, the fiber optic equipment tray 20 can be pushed back intothe chassis 12 wherein the tray rails 56 move within the tray guides 58disposed in the chassis 12.

FIG. 8 is a left perspective view of an exemplary tray guide 58 disposedin the chassis 12 of FIG. 1. As discussed above, the tray guides 58 areconfigured to receive fiber optic equipment trays 20 supporting one ormore fiber optic modules 22 in the chassis 12. The tray guides 58 allowthe fiber optic equipment trays 20 to be pulled out from the chassis 12,as illustrated in FIG. 7. The tray guide 58 in this embodiment iscomprised of a guide panel 64. The guide panel 64 may be constructed outof any material desired, including but not limited to a polymer ormetal. The guide panel 64 contains a series of apertures 66 tofacilitate attachment of the guide panel 64 to the chassis 12, asillustrated in FIG. 8. Guide members 68 are disposed in the guide panel64 and configured to receive the tray rail 56 of the fiber opticequipment tray 20. Three (3) guide members 68 are disposed in the guidepanel 64 in the embodiment of FIG. 8 to be capable of receiving up tothree (3) tray rails 56 of three (3) fiber optic equipment trays 20 in a1-U space. However, any number of guide members 68 desired may beprovided in the tray guide 58 to cover sizes less than or greater than a1-U space. In this embodiment, the guide members 68 each include guidechannels 70 configured to receive and allow tray rails 56 to move alongthe guide channels 70 for translation of the fiber optic equipment trays20 about the chassis 12.

Leaf springs 72 are disposed in each of the guide members 68 of the trayguide 58 and are each configured to provide stopping positions for thetray rails 56 during movement of the fiber optic equipment tray 20 inthe guide members 68. The leaf springs 72 each contain detents 74 thatare configured to receive protrusions 76 (FIG. 9A-9D) disposed in thetray rails 56 to provide stopping or resting positions. The tray rails56 contain mounting platforms 75 that are used to attach the tray rails56 to the fiber optic equipment trays 20. It may be desirable to providestopping positions in the tray guide 56 to allow the fiber opticequipment trays 20 to have stopping positions when moved in and out ofthe chassis 12. Two (2) protrusions 76 in the tray rail 56 are disposedin two (2) detents 74 in the tray guide 58 at any given time. When thefiber optic equipment tray 20 is fully retracted into the chassis 12 ina first stopping position, the two (2) protrusions 76 of the tray rail56 are disposed in the one detent 74 adjacent a rear end 77 of the guidechannel 70 and the middle detent 74 disposed between the rear end 77 anda front end 78 of the guide channel 70. When the fiber optic equipmenttray 20 is pulled out from the chassis 12, the two (2) protrusions 76 ofthe tray rail 56 are disposed in the one detent 74 adjacent the frontend 78 of the guide channel 70 and the middle detent 74 disposed betweenthe rear end 77 and the front end 78 of the guide channel 70.

As the tray rail 56 is pulled within the guide channel 70, a protrusion80 disposed in the tray rail 56 and illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B isbiased to pass over transition members 82 disposed between the leafsprings 72, as illustrated in FIG. 8. The protrusion 80 is provided in aleaf spring 81 disposed in the tray rail 56, as illustrated in FIGS. 9Aand 9B. The transition members 82 have inclined surfaces 84 that allowthe protrusion 80 to pass over the transition members 82 as the fiberoptic equipment tray 20 is being translated with the guide channel 70.As the protrusion 80 contains the transition members 82, the forceimparted onto the protrusion 80 causes the leaf spring 81 to bend inwardto allow the protrusion 80 to pass over the transition member 82. Toprevent the tray rail 56 and thus the fiber optic equipment tray 20 frombeing extended beyond the front end 78 and rear end 77 of the guidechannel 70, stopping members 86 are disposed at the front end 78 andrear end 77 of the guide channel 70. The stopping members 86 do not havean inclined surface; thus the protrusion 80 in the tray rail 56 abutsagainst the stopping member 86 and is prevented from extending over thestopping member 86 and outside of the front end 78 of the guide channel70.

Against the background of the above disclosed embodiment of a 1-Uchassis 12 and fiber optic equipment trays 20 and fiber optic modules 22that can installed therein, the form factor of the fiber optic module 22will now be described. The form factor of the fiber optic module 22allows a high density of fiber optic components 23 to be disposed withina certain percentage area of the front of the fiber optic module 22 thussupporting a particular fiber optic connection density and bandwidth fora given type of fiber optic component 23. When this fiber optic module22 form factor is combined with the ability to support up to twelve (12)fiber optic modules 22 in a 1-U space, as described by the exemplarychassis 12 example above, a higher fiber optic connection density andbandwidth is supported and possible.

In this regard, FIGS. 10A and 10B are right and left perspective viewsof the exemplary fiber optic module 22. As discussed above, the fiberoptic module 22 can be installed in the fiber optic equipment trays 20to provide fiber optic connections in the chassis 12. The fiber opticmodule 22 is comprised of a main body 90 receiving a cover 92. Aninternal chamber 94 (FIG. 11) disposed inside the main body 90 and thecover 92 and is configured to receive or retain optical fibers or afiber optic cable harness, as will be described in more detail below.The main body 90 is disposed between a front side 96 and a rear side 98of the main body 90. Fiber optic components 23 can be disposed throughthe front side 96 of the main body 90 and configured to receive fiberoptic connectors connected to fiber optic cables (not shown). In thisexample, the fiber optic components 23 are duplex LC fiber opticadapters that are configured to receive and support connections withduplex LC fiber optic connectors. However, any fiber optic connectiontype desired can be provided in the fiber optic module 22. The fiberoptic components 23 are connected to a fiber optic component 100disposed through the rear side 98 of the main body 90. In this manner, aconnection to the fiber optic component 23 creates a fiber opticconnection to the fiber optic component 100. In this example, the fiberoptic component 100 is a multi-fiber MPO fiber optic adapter equipped toestablish connections to multiple optical fibers (e.g., either twelve(12) or twenty-four (24) optical fibers). The fiber optic module 22 mayalso manage polarity between the fiber optic components 23, 100.

The module rails 28A, 28B are disposed on each side 102A, 102B of thefiber optic module 22. As previously discussed, the module rails 28A,28B are configured to be inserted within the module rail guides 32 inthe fiber optic equipment tray 20, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In thismanner, when it is desired to install a fiber optic module 22 in thefiber optic equipment tray 20, the front side 96 of the fiber opticmodule 22 can be inserted from either the front end 33 or the rear end36 of the fiber optic equipment tray 20, as previously discussed.

FIG. 11 illustrates the fiber optic module 22 in an exploded view withthe cover 92 of the fiber optic module 22 removed to illustrate theinternal chamber 94 and other internal components of the fiber opticmodule 22. FIG. 12 illustrates the fiber optic module 22 assembled, butwithout the cover 92 installed on the main body 90. The cover 92includes notches 106 disposed in sides 108, 110 that are configured tointerlock with protrusions 112 disposed on the sides 102A, 102B of themain body 90 of the fiber optic modules 22 when the cover 92 is attachedto the main body 90 to secure the cover 92 to the main body 90. Thecover 92 also contains notches 114, 116 disposed on a front side 118 andrear side 120, respectively, of the cover 92. The notches 114, 116 areconfigured to interlock with protrusions 122, 124 disposed in the frontside 96 and the rear end 98, respectively, of the main body 90 when thecover 92 is attached to the main body 90 to also secure the cover 92 tothe main body 90. FIG. 12 does not show protrusions 122, 124.

With continuing reference to FIG. 11, the fiber optic components 23 aredisposed through a front opening 126 disposed along a longitudinal axisL₁ in the front side 96 of the main body 90. In this embodiment, thefiber optic components 23 are duplex LC adapters 128, which supportsingle or duplex fiber connections and connectors. The duplex LCadapters 128 in this embodiment contain protrusions 130 that areconfigured to engage with orifices 135 disposed on the main body 90 tosecure the duplex LC adapters 128 in the main body 90 in thisembodiment. A cable harness 134 is disposed in the internal chamber 94with fiber optic connectors 136, 138 disposed on each end of opticalfibers 139 connected to the duplex LC adapters 128 and the fiber opticcomponent 100 disposed in the rear side 98 of the main body 90. Thefiber optic component 100 in this embodiment is a twelve (12) fiber MPOfiber optic adapter 140 in this embodiment. Two vertical members 142A,142B are disposed in the internal chamber 94 of the main body 90, asillustrated in FIG. 12, to retain the looping of the optical fibers 139of the cable harness 134. The vertical members 142A, 142B and thedistance therebetween are designed to provide a bend radius R in theoptical fibers 139 no greater than forty (40) mm and preferablytwenty-five (25) mm or less in this embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the fiber optic module 22 withoutloaded fiber optic components 23 in the front side 96 to furtherillustrate the form factor of the fiber optic module 22. As previouslydiscussed, the front opening 126 is disposed through the front side 96of the main body 90 to receive the fiber optic components 23. Thegreater the width W₁ of the front opening 126, the greater the number offiber optic components 23 that may be disposed in the fiber optic module22. Greater numbers of fiber optic components 23 equates to more fiberoptic connections, which supports higher fiber optic connectivity andbandwidth. However, the larger the width W₁ of the front opening 126,the greater the area required to be provided in the chassis 12 for thefiber optic module 22. Thus, in this embodiment, the width W₁ of thefront opening 126 is design to be at least eighty-five percent (85%) ofthe width W₂ of the front side 96 of the main body 90 of the fiber opticmodule 22. The greater the percentage of the width W₁ to width W₂, thelarger the area provided in the front opening 126 to receive fiber opticcomponents 23 without increasing width W₂. Width W₃, the overall widthof the fiber optic module 22, may be 86.6 mm or 3.5 inches in thisembodiment. The overall depth D₁ of the fiber optic module 22 is 113.9mm or 4.5 inches in this embodiment (FIG. 12). As previously discussed,the fiber optic module 22 is designed such that four (4) fiber opticmodules 22 can be disposed in a 1-U width space in the fiber opticequipment tray 20 in the chassis 12. The width of the chassis 12 isdesigned to accommodate a 1-U space width in this embodiment.

With three (3) fiber optic equipment trays 20 disposed in the 1-U heightof the chassis 12, a total of twelve (12) fiber optic modules 22 can besupported in a given 1-U space. Supporting up to twelve (12) fiber opticconnections per fiber optic module 22 as illustrated in the chassis 12in FIG. 1 equates to the chassis 12 supporting up to one hundredforty-four (144) fiber optic connections, or seventy-two (72) duplexchannels, in a 1-U space in the chassis 12 (i.e., twelve (12) fiberoptic connections×twelve (12) fiber optic modules 22 in a 1-U space).Thus, the chassis 12 is capable of supporting up to one hundredforty-four (144) fiber optic connections in a 1-U space by twelve (12)simplex or six (6) duplex fiber optic adapters being disposed in thefiber optic modules 22. Supporting up to ten (10) fiber opticconnections per fiber optic module 22 equates to the chassis 12supporting one hundred twenty (120) fiber optic connections, or sixty(60) duplex channels, in a 1-U space in the chassis 12 (i.e., ten (10)fiber optic connections×twelve (12) fiber optic modules 22 in a 1-Uspace). Thus, the chassis 12 is also capable of supporting up to onehundred twenty (120) fiber optic connections in a 1-U space by ten (10)simplex or five (5) duplex fiber optic adapters being disposed in thefiber optic modules 22.

This embodiment of the chassis 12 and fiber optic module 22 disclosedherein can support a fiber optic connection density within a 1-U spacewherein the area occupied by the fiber optic component 23 in twelve (12)fiber optic modules 22 in a 1-U space represents at least fifty percent(50%) of the total fiber optic equipment rack 14 area in a 1-U space(see FIG. 1). In the case of twelve (12) fiber optic modules 22 providedin a 1-U space in the chassis 12, the 1-U space is comprised of thefiber optic components 23 occupying at least seventy-five percent (75%)of the area of the front side 96 of the fiber optic module 22.

Two (2) duplexed optical fibers to provide one (1)transmission/reception pair can allow for a data rate of ten (10)Gigabits per second in half-duplex mode or twenty (20) Gigabits persecond in full-duplex mode. Thus, with the above-described embodiment,providing at least seventy-two (72) duplex transmission and receptionpairs in a 1-U space employing at least one duplex or simplex fiberoptic component can support a data rate of at least seven hundred twenty(720) Gigabits per second in half-duplex mode in a 1-U space or at leastone thousand four hundred forty (1440) Gigabits per second in a 1-Uspace in full-duplex mode if employing a ten (10) Gigabit transceiver.This configuration can also support at least six hundred (600) Gigabitsper second in half-duplex mode in a 1-U space and at least one thousandtwo hundred (1200) Gigabits per second in full-duplex mode in a 1-Uspace, respectively, if employing a one hundred (100) Gigabittransceiver. This configuration can also support at least four hundredeighty (480) Gigabits per second in half-duplex mode in a 1-U space andnine hundred sixty (960) Gigabits per second in full duplex mode in a1-U space, respectively, if employing a forty (40) Gigabit transceiver.At least sixty (60) duplex transmission and reception pairs in a 1-Uspace can allow for a data rate of at least six hundred (600) Gigabitsper second in a 1-U space in half-duplex mode or at least one thousandtwo hundred (1200) Gigabits per second in a 1-U space in full-duplexmode when employing a ten (10) Gigabit transceiver. At least forty nine(49) duplex transmission and reception pairs in a 1-U space can allowfor a data rate of at least four hundred eighty-one (481) Gigabits persecond in half-duplex mode or at least nine hundred sixty-two (962)Gigabits per second in a 1-U space in full-duplex mode when employing aten (10) Gigabit transceiver.

The width W₁ of front opening 126 could be designed to be greater thaneighty-five percent (85%) of the width W₂ of the front side 96 of themain body 90 of the fiber optic module 22. For example, the width W₁could be designed to be between ninety percent (90%) and ninety-ninepercent (99%) of the width W₂. As an example, the width W₁ could be lessthan ninety (90) mm. As another example, the width W₁ could be less thaneighty-five (85) mm or less than eighty (80) mm. For example, the widthW₁ may be eighty-three (83) mm and width W₂ may be eighty-five (85) mm,for a ratio of width W₁ to width W₂ of 97.6%. In this example, the frontopening 126 may support twelve (12) fiber optic connections in the widthW₁ to support a fiber optic connection density of at least one fiberoptic connection per 7.0 mm of width W₁ of the front opening 126.Further, the front opening 126 of the fiber optic module 22 may supporttwelve (12) fiber optic connections in the width W₁ to support a fiberoptic connection density of at least one fiber optic connection per 6.9mm of width W₁ of the front opening 126.

Further as illustrated in FIG. 13, height H₁ of front opening 126 couldbe designed to be at least ninety percent (90%) of height H₂ of thefront side 96 of the main body 90 of the fiber optic module 22. In thismanner, the front opening 126 has sufficient height to receive the fiberoptic components 23, and such that three (3) fiber optic modules 22 canbe disposed in a 1-U space height. As an example, height H₁ could betwelve (12) mm or less or ten (10) mm or less. As an example, height H₁could be ten (10) mm and height H₂ could be eleven (11) mm (or 7/16inches), for a ratio of height H₁ to width H₂ of 90.9%.

Alternate fiber optic modules with alternative fiber optic connectiondensities are possible. FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of analternate fiber optic module 22′ that can be installed in the fiberoptic equipment tray 20 of FIG. 1. The form factor of the fiber opticmodule 22′ is the same as the form factor of the fiber optic module 22illustrated in FIGS. 1-13. However, in the fiber optic module 22′ ofFIG. 14, two (2) MPO fiber optic adapters 150 are disposed through thefront opening 126 of the fiber optic module 22′. The MPO fiber opticadapters 150 are connected to two (2) MPO fiber optic adapters 152disposed in the rear side 98 of the main body 90 of the fiber opticmodule 22′. Thus, if the MPO fiber optic adapters 150 each supporttwelve (12) fibers, the fiber optic module 22′ can support up totwenty-four (24) fiber optic connections. Thus, in this example, if upto twelve (12) fiber optic modules 22′ are provided in the fiber opticequipment trays 20 of the chassis 12, up to two hundred eighty-eight(288) fiber optic connections can be supported by the chassis 12 in a1-U space. Further in this example, the front opening 126 of the fiberoptic module 22′ may support twenty-four (24) fiber optic connections inthe width W₁ (FIG. 13) to support a fiber optic connection density of atleast one fiber optic connection per 3.4-3.5 mm of width W₁ of the frontopening 126. It should be understood that the discussion with regard tomodules may also apply to a panel. For purposes of this disclosure, apanel may have one or more adapter on one side and no adapters on theopposite side.

Thus, with the above-described embodiment, providing at leasttwo-hundred eighty-eight (288) duplex transmission and reception pairsin a 1-U space employing at least one twelve (12) fiber MPO fiber opticcomponents can support a data rate of at least two thousand eighthundred eighty (2880) Gigabits per second in half-duplex mode in a 1-Uspace or at least five thousand seven hundred sixty (5760) Gigabits persecond in a 1-U space in full-duplex mode if employing a ten (10)Gigabit transceiver. This configuration can also support at least fourthousand eight hundred (4800) Gigabits per second in half-duplex mode ina 1-U space and nine thousand six hundred (9600) Gigabits per second infull-duplex mode in a 1-U space, respectively, if employing a onehundred (100) Gigabit transceiver. This configuration can also supportat least one thousand nine hundred twenty (1920) Gigabits per second inhalf-duplex mode in a 1-U space and three thousand eight hundred forty(3840) Gigabits per second in full-duplex mode in a 1-U space,respectively, if employing a forty (40) Gigabit transceiver. Thisconfiguration also supports a data rate of at least four thousand threehundred twenty-two (4322) Gigabits per second in full-duplex mode in a1-U space when employing a ten (10) Gigabit transceiver employing atleast one twelve (12) fiber MPO fiber optic component, or two thousandone hundred sixty-one (2161) Gigabits per second in full-duplex mode ina 1-U space when employing a ten (10) Gigabit transceiver employing atleast one twenty-four (24) fiber MPO fiber optic component.

If the MPO fiber optic adapters 150 in the fiber optic module 22′support twenty-four (24) fibers, the fiber optic module 22′ can supportup to forty-eight (48) fiber optic connections. Thus, in this example,if up to twelve (12) fiber optic modules 22′ are provided in the fiberoptic equipment trays 20 of the chassis 12, up to five hundredseventy-six (576) fiber optic connections can be supported by thechassis 12 in a 1-U space if the fiber optic modules 22′ are disposed inthe fiber optic equipment trays 20. Further, in this example, the frontopening 126 of the fiber optic module 22′ may support up to forty-eight(48) fiber optic connections in the width W₁ to support a fiber opticconnection density of at least one fiber optic connection per 1.7 mm ofwidth W₁ of the front opening 126.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of another alternate fiber opticmodule 22″ that can be installed in the fiber optic equipment tray 20 ofFIG. 1. The form factor of the fiber optic module 22″ is the same as theform factor of the fiber optic module 22 illustrated in FIGS. 1-13.However, in the fiber optic module 22″, four (4) MPO fiber opticadapters 154 are disposed through the front opening 126 of the fiberoptic module 22″. The MPO fiber optic adapters 154 are connected to four(4) MPO fiber optic adapters 156 disposed in the rear end 98 of the mainbody 90 of the fiber optic module 22′. Thus, if the MPO fiber opticadapters 150 support twelve (12) fibers, the fiber optic module 22″ cansupport up to forty-eight (48) fiber optic connections. Thus, in thisexample, if up to twelve (12) fiber optic modules 22″ are provided inthe fiber optic equipment trays 20 of the chassis 12, up to five hundredseventy-six (756) fiber optic connections can be supported by thechassis 12 in a 1-U space. Further in this example, the front opening126 of the fiber optic module 22″ may support twenty-four (24) fiberoptic connections in the width W₁ to support a fiber optic connectiondensity of at least one fiber optic connection per 1.7 mm of width W₁ ofthe front opening 126.

If the four (4) MPO fiber optic adapters 154 disposed in the fiber opticmodule 22″ support twenty-four (24) fibers, the fiber optic module 22″can support up to ninety-six (96) fiber optic connections. Thus, in thisexample, if up to twelve (12) fiber optic modules 22″ are provided inthe fiber optic equipment trays 20 of the chassis 12, up to one thousandone hundred fifty-two (1152) fiber optic connections can be supported bythe chassis 12 in a 1-U space. Further, in this example, the frontopening 126 of the fiber optic module 22″ may support up to ninety-six(96) fiber optic connections in the width W₁ to support a fiber opticconnection density of at least one fiber optic connection per 0.85 mm ofwidth W₁ of the front opening 126.

Further, with the above-described embodiment, providing at least fivehundred seventy-six (576) duplex transmission and reception pairs in a1-U space employing at least one twenty-four (24) fiber MPO fiber opticcomponent can support a data rate of at least five thousand sevenhundred sixty (5760) Gigabits per second in half-duplex mode in a 1-Uspace or at least eleven thousand five hundred twenty (11520) Gigabitsper second in a 1-U space in full-duplex mode if employing a ten (10)Gigabit transceiver. This configuration can also support at least fourthousand eight hundred (4800) Gigabits per second in half-duplex mode ina 1-U space and at least nine thousand six hundred (9600) Gigabits persecond in full-duplex mode in a 1-U space, respectively, if employing aone hundred (100) Gigabit transceiver. This configuration can alsosupport at least three thousand eight hundred forty (3840) Gigabits persecond in half-duplex mode in a 1-U space and at least seven thousandsix hundred eighty (7680) Gigabits per second in full-duplex mode in a1-U space, respectively, if employing a forty (40) Gigabit transceiver.This configuration also supports a data rate of at least eight thousandsix hundred forty two (8642) Gigabits per second in full-duplex mode ina 1-U space when employing a ten (10) Gigabit transceiver employing atleast one twenty-four (24) fiber MPO fiber optic component, or fourthousand three hundred twenty one (4321) Gigabits per second infull-duplex mode in a 1-U space when employing a ten (10) Gigabittransceiver employing at least one twenty-four (24) fiber MPO fiberoptic component.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternate fiber optic module 160 that may beprovided in the fiber optic equipment trays 20 to support fiber opticconnections and connection densities and bandwidths. FIG. 17 is a rightfront perspective view of the fiber optic module 160 of FIG. 16. In thisembodiment, the fiber optic module 160 is designed to fit across twosets of module rail guides 32. A channel 162 is disposed through acenter axis 164 of the fiber optic module 160 to receive a module railguide 32 in the fiber optic equipment tray 20. Module rails 165A, 165B,similar to the module rails 28A, 28B of the fiber optic module 22 ofFIGS. 1-13, are disposed on the inside the channel 162 of the fiberoptic module 160 and configured to engage with tray channels 30 in thefiber optic equipment tray 20. Module rails 166A, 166B, similar to themodule rails 28A, 28B of the fiber optic module 22 of FIGS. 1-13, aredisposed on each side 168, 170 of the fiber optic module 160 that areconfigured to engage with tray channels 30 in the fiber optic equipmenttray 20. The module rails 166A, 166B are configured to engage with traychannels 30 in a module rail guide 32 disposed between module railguides 32 engaged with the module rail guides 32 disposed on the sides168, 170 of the fiber optic module 160.

Up to twenty-four (24) fiber optic components 23 can be disposed in afront side 172 of the fiber optic module 160. In this embodiment, thefiber optic components 23 are comprised of up to twelve (12) duplex LCfiber optic adapters, which are connected to one twenty-four (24) fiberMPO fiber optic connector 174 disposed in a rear end 176 of the fiberoptic module 160. Thus, with three (3) fiber optic equipment trays 20disposed in the height of the chassis 12, a total of six (6) fiber opticmodules 160 can be supported in a given 1-U space. Supporting up totwenty-four (24) fiber optic connections per fiber optic module 160equates to the chassis 12 supporting up to one hundred forty-four (144)fiber optic connections, or seventy-two (72) duplex channels, in a 1-Uspace in the chassis 12 (i.e., twenty-four (24) fiber opticconnections×six (6) fiber optic modules 160 in a 1-U space). Thus, thechassis 12 is capable of supporting up to one hundred forty-four (144)fiber optic connections in a 1-U space by twenty-four (24) simplex ortwelve (12) duplex fiber optic adapters being disposed in the fiberoptic modules 160. Supporting up to twenty (20) fiber optic connectionsper fiber optic module 160 equates to the chassis 12 supporting onehundred twenty (120) fiber optic connections, or sixty (60) duplexchannels, in a 1-U space in the chassis 12 (i.e., twenty (20) fiberoptic connections×six (6) fiber optic modules 160 in a 1-U space). Thus,the chassis 12 is also capable of supporting up to one hundred twenty(120) fiber optic connections in a 1-U space by twenty (20) simplex orten (10) duplex fiber optic adapters being disposed in the fiber opticmodules 160.

FIG. 18 illustrates a front view of the fiber optic module 160 of FIGS.16-17 without loaded fiber optic components 23 in the front side 172 tofurther illustrate the form factor of the fiber optic module 160 in thisembodiment. Front openings 178A, 178B disposed on each side of thechannel 162 are disposed through the front side 172 of a main body 180of the fiber optic module 160 to receive the fiber optic components 23.The widths W₁ and W₂ and the heights H₁ and H₂ are the same as in thefiber optic module 22 illustrated in FIG. 13. Thus, in this embodiment,the widths W₁ of front openings 178A, 178B are designed to be at leasteighty-five percent (85%) of the width W₂ of the front side 172 of themain body 180 of the fiber optic module 160. The greater the percentageof the width W₁ to width W₂, the larger the area provided in the frontopenings 178A, 178B to receive fiber optic components 23 withoutincreasing width W₂.

The width W₁ of the front openings 178A, 178B could each be designed tobe greater than eighty-five percent (85%) of the width W₂ of the frontside 172 of the main body 180 of the fiber optic module 160. Forexample, the width W₁ could be designed to be between ninety percent(90%) and ninety-nine percent (99%) of the width W₂. As an example, thewidth W₁ could be less than ninety (90) mm. As another example, thewidth W₁ could be less than eighty-five (85) mm or less than eighty (80)mm. For example, width W₁ may be eighty-three (83) mm and width W₂ maybe eighty-five (85) mm, for a ratio of width W₁ to width W₂ of 97.6%. Inthis example, the front openings 178A, 178B may support twelve (12)fiber optic connections in the widths W₁ to support a fiber opticconnection density of at least one fiber optic connection per 7.0 mm ofwidth W₁ of the front openings 178A, 178B. Further, each of the frontopenings 178A, 178B may support twelve (12) fiber optic connections inthe widths W₁ to support a fiber optic connection density of at leastone fiber optic connection per 6.9 mm of width W₁ of the front openings178A, 178B.

Further as illustrated in FIG. 18, the height H₁ of front openings 178A,178B could be designed to be at least ninety percent (90%) of the heightH₂ of the front side 172 of the main body 180 of the fiber optic module160. In this manner, the front openings 178A, 178B have sufficientheight to receive the fiber optic components 23, while three (3) fiberoptic modules 160 can be disposed in the height of a 1-U space. As anexample, the height H₁ could be twelve (12) mm or less or ten (10) mm orless. As an example, the height H₁ could be ten (10) mm and height H₂could be eleven (11) mm, for a ratio of height H₁ to height H₂ of 90.9%.

FIG. 19 illustrates another alternate fiber optic module 190 that may beprovided in the fiber optic equipment trays 20 to support fiber opticconnections and connection densities and bandwidths. FIG. 20 is a rightfront perspective view of the fiber optic module 190 of FIG. 19. In thisembodiment, the fiber optic module 190 is designed to fit across twosets of module rail guides 32. A longitudinal receiver 192 is disposedthrough a center axis 194 and is configured to receive a module railguide 32 in the fiber optic equipment tray 20 through an opening 193 inthe receiver 192. Module rails 195A, 195B, similar to the module rails28A, 28B of the fiber optic module 22 of FIGS. 1-13, are disposed oneach side 198, 200 of the fiber optic module 190 that are configured toengage with tray channels 30 in the fiber optic equipment tray 20.

Up to twenty-four (24) fiber optic components 23 can be disposed in afront side 202 of the fiber optic module 190. In this embodiment, thefiber optic components 23 are comprised of up to twelve (12) duplex LCfiber optic adapters, which are connected to one twenty-four (24) fiberMPO fiber optic connector 204 disposed in a rear end 206 of the fiberoptic module 190. Thus, with three (3) fiber optic equipment trays 20disposed in the height of the chassis 12, a total of six (6) fiber opticmodules 190 can be supported in a given 1-U space. Supporting up totwenty-four (24) fiber optic connections per fiber optic module 190equates to the chassis 12 supporting up to one hundred forty-four (144)fiber optic connections, or seventy-two (72) duplex channels, in a 1-Uspace in the chassis 12 (i.e., twenty-four (24) fiber opticconnections×six (6) fiber optic modules 190 in a 1-U space). Thus, thechassis 12 is capable of supporting up to one hundred forty-four (144)fiber optic connections in a 1-U space by twenty (24) simplex or twelve(12) duplex fiber optic adapters being disposed in the fiber opticmodules 190. Supporting up to twenty-four (20) fiber optic connectionsper fiber optic module 190 equates to the chassis 12 supporting onehundred twenty (120) fiber optic connections, or sixty (60) duplexchannels, in a 1-U space in the chassis 12 (i.e., twenty (20) fiberoptic connections×six (6) fiber optic modules 190 in a 1-U space). Thus,the chassis 12 is also capable of supporting up to one hundred twenty(120) fiber optic connections in a 1-U space by twenty (20) simplex orten (10) duplex fiber optic adapters being disposed in the fiber opticmodules 190.

FIG. 21 illustrates a front view of the fiber optic module 190 of FIGS.19-20 without loaded fiber optic components 23 in the front side 202 tofurther illustrate the form factor of the fiber optic module 190. Frontopenings 208A, 208B are disposed on each side of the receiver 192 andthrough the front side 202 of a main body 210 of the fiber optic module190 to receive the fiber optic components 23. The widths W₁ and W₂ andthe heights H₁ and H₂ are the same as in the fiber optic module 22 asillustrated in FIG. 13. Thus, in this embodiment, the width W₁ of frontopenings 208A, 208B is designed to be at least eighty-five percent (85%)of the width W₂ of the front side 202 of the main body 210 of the fiberoptic module 190. The greater the percentage of the width W₁ to widthW₂, the larger the area provided in the front openings 208A, 208B toreceive fiber optic components 23 without increasing the width W₂.

The width W₁ of front openings 208A, 208B could each be designed to begreater than eighty-five percent (85%) of the width W₂ of the front side202 of the main body 210 of the fiber optic module 190. For example, thewidth W₁ could be designed to be between ninety percent (90%) andninety-nine percent (99%) of the width W₂. As an example, the width W₁could be less than ninety (90) mm. As another example, the width W₁could be less than eighty-five (85) mm or less than eighty (80) mm. Forexample, width W₁ may be eighty-three (83) mm and width W₂ may beeighty-five (85) mm, for a ratio of width W₁ to width W₂ of 97.6%. Inthis example, the front openings 208A, 208B may support twelve (12)fiber optic connections in the widths W₁ to support fiber opticconnection density of at least one fiber optic connection per 7.0 mm ofwidth W₁ of the front openings 208A, 208B. Further, each of the frontopenings 208A, 208B may support twelve (12) fiber optic connections inthe widths W₁ to support a fiber optic connection density of at leastone fiber optic connection per 6.9 mm of width W₁ of the front openings208A, 208B.

Further as illustrated in FIG. 21, the height H₁ of front openings 208A,208B could be designed to be at least ninety percent (90%) of the heightH₂ of the front side 202 of the main body 210 of the fiber optic module190. In this manner, the front openings 208A, 208B have sufficientheight to receive the fiber optic components 23, while three (3) fiberoptic modules 190 can be disposed in the height of a 1-U space. As anexample, the height H₁ could be twelve (12) mm or less or ten (10) mm orless. As an example, the height H₁ could be ten (10) mm and the heightH₂ could be eleven (11) mm, for a ratio of height H₁ to height H₂ of90.9%.

FIG. 22 illustrates another alternate fiber optic module 220 that may beprovided in a fiber optic equipment tray 20′ to support a higher numberof fiber optic connections and connection densities and bandwidths in a1-U space. The fiber optic equipment tray 20′ in this embodiment issimilar to the fiber optic equipment tray 20 previously discussed above;however, the fiber optic equipment tray 20′ only contains three (3)module rail guides 32 instead of five (5) module rail guides 32. Thus,the fiber optic equipment tray 20′ only supports two fiber optic modules220 across a 1-U width space. Thus, the fiber optic module 220 does nothave to provide the channel 162 or receiver 192 of the fiber opticmodules 160, 190, respectively, to be disposed within the fiber opticequipment tray 20′. FIG. 23 is a right front perspective view of thefiber optic module 220 of FIG. 22. The fiber optic module 220 isdesigned to fit across one set of module rail guides 32 in the fiberoptic equipment tray 20′. Module rails 225A, 225B, similar to the modulerails 28A, 28B of the fiber optic module 22 of FIGS. 1-13, are disposedon each side 228, 230 of the fiber optic module 220 that are configuredto engage with tray channels 30 in the fiber optic equipment tray 20′,as illustrated in FIG. 22.

Up to twenty-four (24) fiber optic components 23 can be disposed in afront side 232 of the fiber optic module 220. In this embodiment, thefiber optic components 23 are comprised of up to twelve (12) duplex LCfiber optic adapters, which are connected to one twenty-four (24) fiberMPO fiber optic connector 234 disposed in a rear end 236 of the fiberoptic module 220. Thus, with three (3) fiber optic equipment trays 20′disposed in the height of the chassis 12, a total of six (6) fiber opticmodules 220 can be supported in a given 1-U space. Supporting up totwenty-four (24) fiber optic connections per fiber optic module 220equates to the chassis 12 supporting up to one hundred forty-four (144)fiber optic connections, or seventy-two (72) duplex channels, in a 1-Uspace in the chassis 12 (i.e., twenty-four (24) fiber opticconnections×six (6) fiber optic modules 220 in a 1-U space). Thus, thechassis 12 is capable of supporting up to one hundred forty-four (144)fiber optic connections in a 1-U space by twenty (24) simplex or twelve(12) duplex fiber optic adapters being disposed in the fiber opticmodules 220. Supporting up to twenty (20) fiber optic connections perfiber optic module 220 equates to the chassis 12 supporting one hundredtwenty (120) fiber optic connections, or sixty (60) duplex channels, ina 1-U space in the chassis 12 (i.e., twenty (20) fiber opticconnections×six (6) fiber optic modules 220 in a 1-U space). Thus, thechassis 12 is also capable of supporting up to one hundred twenty (120)fiber optic connections in a 1-U space by twenty (20) simplex or ten(10) duplex fiber optic adapters being disposed in the fiber opticmodules 220.

FIG. 24 illustrates a front view of the fiber optic module 220 of FIGS.22-23 without loaded fiber optic components 23 in the front side 232 tofurther illustrate the form factor of the fiber optic module 220 in thisembodiment. A front opening 238 is through the front side 232 of a mainbody 240 of the fiber optic module 220 to receive the fiber opticcomponents 23. Width W₄ of the front opening 238 is twice the width W₁of the front opening 98 in the fiber optic module 22 illustrated in FIG.13. Width W₅ of the front side 232 is one hundred eighty-eight (188) mm.the width W₂ of the front side 96 in the fiber optic module 22illustrated in FIG. 13. The heights H₁ and H₂ are the same as in thefiber optic module 22 illustrated in FIG. 13. Thus, in this embodiment,the width W₄ of the front opening 238 is designed to be at leasteighty-five percent (85%) of the width W₅ of the front side 232 of themain body 240 of the fiber optic module 220. The greater the percentageof the width W₄ to the width W₅, the larger the area provided in thefront opening 238 to receive fiber optic components 23 withoutincreasing the width W₄.

Width W₄ of the front opening 238 could be designed to be greater thaneighty-five percent (85%) of the width W₅ of the front side 232 of themain body 240 of the fiber optic module 220. For example, the width W₄could be designed to be between ninety percent (90%) and ninety-ninepercent (99%) of the width of W₅. As an example, the width W₄ could beless than one hundred eighty (180) mm. As another example, the width W₄could be less than one hundred seventy (170) mm or less than one hundredsixty (160) mm. For example, width W₄ may be one hundred sixty-six (166)mm and width W₅ may be 171 mm, for a ratio of width W₄ to width W₅ of166/171=97%. In this example, the front opening 238 may supporttwenty-four (24) fiber optic connections in the width W₄ to support afiber optic connection density of at least one fiber optic connectionper 7.0 mm of width W₄ of the front opening 238. Further, the frontopening 238 may support twenty-four (24) fiber optic connections in thewidth W₄ to support a fiber optic connection density of at least onefiber optic connection per 6.9 mm of width W₄ of the front opening 238.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the height H₁ of the front opening238 could be designed to be at least ninety percent (90%) of the heightH₂ of the front side 232 of the main body 240 of the fiber optic module220. In this manner, the front opening 238 has sufficient height toreceive the fiber optic components 23, while three (3) fiber opticmodules 220 can be disposed in the height of a 1-U space. As an example,the height H₁ could be twelve (12) mm or less or ten (10) mm or less. Asan example, the height H₁ could be ten (10) mm and height H₂ could beeleven (11) mm, for a ratio of height H₁ to height H₂ of 90.9%.

FIG. 25 illustrates another embodiment of fiber optic equipment 260 thatcan include fiber optic equipment trays previously described above andillustrated to support fiber optic modules. The fiber optic equipment260 in this embodiment includes a 4-U sized chassis 262 configured tohold fiber optic equipment trays each supporting one or more fiber opticmodules. The supported fiber optic equipment trays may be any of thefiber optic equipment trays 20, 20′ previously described above and thuswill not be described again here. The supported fiber optic modules maybe any of the fiber optic modules 22, 22′, 22″, 160, 190, 220 previouslydescribed above and thus will not be described again here. In thisexample, the chassis 262 is illustrated as supporting twelve (12) fiberoptic equipment trays 20 each capable of supporting fiber optic modules22.

The tray guides 58 previously described are used in the chassis 262 tosupport tray rails 56 of the fiber optic equipment trays 20 therein andto allow each fiber optic equipment tray 20 to be independently extendedout from and retracted back into the chassis 262. A front door 264 isattached to the chassis 262 and is configured to close about the chassis262 to secure the fiber optic equipment trays 20 contained in thechassis 262. A cover 266 is also attached to the chassis 262 to securethe fiber optic equipment trays 20. However, in the chassis 262, up totwelve (12) fiber optic equipment trays 20 can be provided. However, thefiber optic connection densities and connection bandwidths are still thesame per 1-U space. The fiber optic connection densities and connectionbandwidth capabilities have been previously described and equallyapplicable for the chassis 262 of FIG. 25, and thus will not bedescribed again here.

Thus, in summary, the table below summarizes some of the fiber opticconnection densities and bandwidths that are possible to be provided ina 1-U and 4-U space employing the various embodiments of fiber opticmodules, fiber optic equipment trays, and chassis described above. Forexample, two (2) optical fibers duplexed for one (1)transmission/reception pair can allow for a data rate of ten (10)Gigabits per second in half-duplex mode or twenty (20) Gigabits persecond in full-duplex mode. As another example, eight (8) optical fibersin a twelve (12) fiber MPO fiber optic connector duplexed for four (4)transmission/reception pairs can allow for a data rate of forty (40)Gigabits per second in half-duplex mode or eighty (80) Gigabits persecond in full-duplex mode. As another example, twenty optical fibers ina twenty-four (24) fiber MPO fiber optic connector duplexed for ten (10)transmission/reception pairs can allow for a data rate of one hundred(100) Gigabits per second in half-duplex mode or two hundred (200)Gigabits per second in full-duplex mode. Note that this table isexemplary and the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to thefiber optic connection densities and bandwidths provided below.

Bandwidth per Bandwidth per Max Max Number Number Bandwidth per 1 U 1 Uusing 40 1 U using 100 Fibers Fibers of Connectors of Connectors using10 Gigabit Gigabit Gigabit Connector per per per 1 RU per 4 RUTransceivers Transceivers Transceivers Type 1 RU 4 RU Space Space(duplex) (duplex) (duplex) Duplexed 144 576 72 288  1,440 Gigabits/s  960 Gigabits/s 1,200 Gigabits/s LC 12-F MPO 576 2,304 48 192  5,760Gigabits/s 3,840 Gigabits/s 4,800 Gigabits/s 24-F MPO 1,152 4,608 48 19211,520 Gigabits/s 7,680 Gigabits/s 9,600 Gigabits/s

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. These modificationsinclude, but are not limited to, number or type of fiber opticequipment, fiber optic module, fiber optic equipment tray, featuresincluded in the fiber optic equipment tray. Any size equipment,including but not limited to 1-U, 2-U and 4-U sizes may include some orall of the aforementioned features and fiber optic modules disclosedherein and some or all of their features. Further, the modifications arenot limited to the type of fiber optic equipment tray or the means ordevice to support fiber optic modules installed in the fiber opticequipment trays. The fiber optic modules can include any fiber opticconnection type, including but not limited to fiber optic connectors andadapters, and number of fiber optic connections, density, etc.

Further, as used herein, the terms “fiber optic cables” and/or “opticalfibers” include all types of single mode and multi-mode lightwaveguides, including one or more optical fibers that may be upcoated,colored, buffered, ribbonized and/or have other organizing or protectivestructure in a cable such as one or more tubes, strength members,jackets or the like. Likewise, other types of suitable optical fibersinclude bend-insensitive optical fibers, or any other expedient of amedium for transmitting light signals. An example of a bend-insensitiveoptical fiber is ClearCurve® Multimode fiber commercially available fromCorning Incorporated.

Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not to belimited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications andother embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. It is intended that the embodiments cover themodifications and variations of this invention provided they come withinthe scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Althoughspecific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic anddescriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fiber optic apparatus, comprising: a chassisconfigured to be disposed in an equipment rack; a plurality of fiberoptic equipment trays supported by the chassis and extendable relativeto the chassis; and a plurality of fiber optic modules configured to beinstalled in the plurality of fiber optic equipment trays, wherein eachfiber optic module of the plurality of fiber optic modules comprises afront side having at least one front opening defined in the front sideand configured to support a plurality of first fiber optic components, arear side configured to support at least one second fiber opticcomponent, a main body defining an internal chamber between the frontside and the rear side, and a plurality of optical fibers disposedwithin the internal chamber and arranged to establish opticalconnections between the at least one second fiber optic component andthe plurality of first fiber optic components; wherein a total width ofthe at least one front opening of at least one fiber optic module of theplurality of fiber optic modules is at least eighty-five percent (85%)of a width of the front side of the at least one fiber optic module; andwherein each fiber optic equipment tray of the plurality of fiber opticequipment trays is configured to receive multiple fiber optic modules ofthe plurality of fiber optic modules.
 2. The fiber optic apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the total width of the at least one front opening isbetween ninety percent (90%) and ninety-nine percent (99%) of the widthof the front side.
 3. The fiber optic apparatus of claim 1, wherein aheight of the at least one front opening is at least eighty-five percent(85%) of a height of the front side.
 4. The fiber optic apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein a height of the at least one front opening is less thantwelve (12) mm.
 5. The fiber optic apparatus of claim 1, wherein the atleast one front opening consists of a single front opening.
 6. A fiberoptic apparatus, comprising: a chassis configured to be disposed in anequipment rack; a plurality of fiber optic equipment trays supported bythe chassis and extendable relative to the chassis; and a plurality offiber optic modules configured to be installed in the plurality of fiberoptic equipment trays, wherein each fiber optic module of the pluralityof fiber optic modules comprises a front side, a rear side, an internalchamber, a plurality of first fiber optic adapters disposed through thefront side, at least one second fiber optic adapter disposed through therear side, and a plurality of optical fibers disposed within theinternal chamber and extending from the at least one second fiber opticadapter to the plurality of first fiber optic adapters; wherein theplurality of first fiber optic adapters is disposed through at leasteighty-five percent (85%) of a width of the front side of at least onefiber optic module of the plurality of fiber optic modules; and whereineach fiber optic equipment tray of the plurality of fiber opticequipment trays is configured to receive multiple fiber optic modules ofthe plurality of fiber optic modules.
 7. The fiber optic apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the plurality of first fiber optic adapters is disposedthrough between ninety percent (90%) and ninety-nine percent (99%) ofthe width of the front side.
 8. The fiber optic apparatus of claim 6,wherein a height of the plurality of first fiber optic adapters is atleast eighty-five percent (85%) of a height of the front side.
 9. Thefiber optic apparatus of claim 6, wherein a height of the plurality offirst fiber optic adapters is less than twelve (12) mm.
 10. The fiberoptic apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of fiber opticequipment trays and the plurality of fiber optic modules are configuredto support a fiber optic connection density of one hundred forty-four(144) fiber optic connections per U space of the chassis, based on usinga simplex fiber optic adapter or a duplex fiber optic adapter as eachfiber optic adapter of the plurality of first fiber optic adapters,wherein a U space comprises a height of 1.75 inches and comprises awidth of 19 inches or 23 inches.
 11. The fiber optic apparatus of claim10, wherein the plurality of fiber optic equipment trays comprises threefiber optic equipment trays per U space of the chassis.
 12. The fiberoptic apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of first fiber opticadapters is configured to support twelve (12) duplex fiber opticcomponents or twenty-four (24) simplex fiber optic components.
 13. Thefiber optic apparatus of claim 6, wherein: each fiber optic equipmenttray of the plurality of fiber optic equipment trays includes aplurality of module guides for receiving the plurality of fiber opticmodules; and each fiber optic module of the plurality of fiber opticmodules is configured to be locked into place on each fiber opticequipment tray of the plurality of fiber optic equipment trays bypushing the fiber optic module forward to a stop feature disposed ineach module guide of the plurality of module guides.
 14. The fiber opticapparatus of claim 6, wherein each fiber optic equipment tray of theplurality of fiber optic equipment trays is configured to receive asingle row of multiple fiber optic modules of the plurality of fiberoptic modules.
 15. The fiber optic apparatus of claim 6, wherein eachfiber optic module of the plurality of fiber optic modules is configuredto be locked into place in a fiber optic equipment tray of the pluralityof fiber optic equipment trays.
 16. The fiber optic apparatus of claim6, wherein the chassis is sized for a 4-U space, wherein a U spacecomprises a height of 1.75 inches and comprises a width of 19 inches or23 inches, and wherein the plurality of fiber optic equipment trays andthe plurality of fiber optic modules are configured to support a fiberoptic connection density of five hundred seventy-six (576) fiber opticconnections in the 4-U space of the chassis, based on using a simplexfiber optic adapter or a duplex fiber optic adapter as each fiber opticadapter of the plurality of first fiber optic adapters.
 17. The fiberoptic apparatus of claim 6, wherein: each fiber optic equipment tray ofthe plurality of fiber optic equipment trays comprises first, second,and third module guide members extending upward from a bottom of thefiber optic equipment tray; and each fiber optic equipment tray of theplurality of fiber optic equipment trays is configured to receive afirst fiber optic module of the plurality of fiber optic modules betweenthe first and second module guide members, and the fiber optic equipmenttray is configured to receive a second fiber optic module of theplurality of fiber optic modules between the second and third moduleguide members.
 18. The fiber optic apparatus of claim 17, wherein eachmodule guide member of the first, second, and third module guide memberscomprises a locking feature configured to cooperate with a fiber opticmodule of the first or second fiber optic modules to prevent movement ofthe fiber optic module relative to the fiber optic equipment tray.
 19. Afiber optic apparatus, comprising: a chassis configured to be disposedin an equipment rack; a plurality of fiber optic equipment trayssupported by the chassis and extendable relative to the chassis; and aplurality of fiber optic modules configured to be installed in theplurality of fiber optic equipment trays, wherein each fiber opticmodule of the plurality of fiber optic modules comprises a front side, arear side, an internal chamber, a plurality of first fiber opticadapters disposed through at least one front opening defined in thefront side, at least one second fiber optic adapter disposed through therear side, and a plurality of optical fibers disposed within theinternal chamber and extending from the at least one second fiber opticadapter to the plurality of first fiber optic adapters; wherein theplurality of first fiber optic adapters is disposed through at leasteighty-five percent (85%) of a width of the front side of at least onefiber optic module of the plurality of fiber optic modules; wherein theplurality of first fiber optic adapters provides a fiber opticconnection density of at least one fiber optic connection per 7.0millimeters (mm) of width of the at least one front opening; and whereineach fiber optic equipment tray of the plurality of fiber opticequipment trays is configured to receive multiple fiber optic modules ofthe plurality of fiber optic modules.
 20. The fiber optic apparatus ofclaim 19, wherein the plurality of first fiber optic adapters isdisposed through between ninety percent (90%) and ninety-nine percent(99%) of the width of the front side.
 21. The fiber optic apparatus ofclaim 19, wherein a height of the at least one front opening is at leasteighty-five percent (85%) of a height of the front side.
 22. The fiberoptic apparatus of claim 19, wherein the plurality of fiber opticequipment trays and the plurality of fiber optic modules are configuredto support a fiber optic connection density of one hundred forty-four(144) fiber optic connections per U space of the chassis, based on usinga simplex fiber optic component or a duplex fiber optic component aseach fiber optic adapter of the plurality of first fiber optic adapters,wherein a U space comprises a height of 1.75 inches and comprises awidth of 19 inches or 23 inches.
 23. The fiber optic apparatus of claim19, wherein the plurality of fiber optic equipment trays comprises threefiber optic equipment trays per U space of the chassis.
 24. The fiberoptic apparatus of claim 19, wherein the plurality of first fiber opticadapters is configured to support twelve (12) duplex fiber opticcomponents or twenty-four (24) simplex fiber optic components.
 25. Thefiber optic apparatus of claim 19, wherein: each fiber optic equipmenttray of the plurality of fiber optic equipment trays includes aplurality of module guides for receiving the plurality of fiber opticmodules; and each fiber optic module of the plurality of fiber opticmodules is configured to be locked into place on each fiber opticequipment tray of the plurality of fiber optic equipment trays bypushing the fiber optic module forward to a stop feature disposed ineach module guide of the plurality of module guides.
 26. The fiber opticapparatus of claim 19, wherein each fiber optic equipment tray of theplurality of fiber optic equipment trays is configured to receive asingle row of multiple fiber optic modules of the plurality of fiberoptic modules.
 27. The fiber optic apparatus of claim 19, wherein eachfiber optic module of the plurality of fiber optic modules is configuredto be locked into place in a fiber optic equipment tray of the pluralityof fiber optic equipment trays.
 28. The fiber optic apparatus of claim19, wherein the chassis defines a 4-U space, wherein a U space comprisesa height of 1.75 inches and comprises a width of 19 inches or 23 inches,and wherein the plurality of fiber optic equipment trays and theplurality of fiber optic modules are configured to support a fiber opticconnection density of five hundred seventy-six (576) fiber opticconnections in the 4-U space of the chassis, based on using a simplexfiber optic adapter or a duplex fiber optic adapter as each fiber opticadapter of the plurality of first fiber optic adapters.
 29. The fiberoptic apparatus of claim 19, wherein: each fiber optic equipment tray ofthe plurality of fiber optic equipment trays comprises first, second,and third module guide members extending upward from a bottom of thefiber optic equipment tray; and each fiber optic equipment tray of theplurality of fiber optic equipment trays is configured to receive afirst fiber optic module of the plurality of fiber optic modules betweenthe first and second module guide members, and the fiber optic equipmenttray is configured to receive a second fiber optic module of theplurality of fiber optic modules between the second and third moduleguide members.
 30. The fiber optic apparatus of claim 29, wherein eachmodule guide member of the first, second, and third module guide memberscomprises a locking feature configured to cooperate with a fiber opticmodule of the first or second fiber optic modules to prevent movement ofthe fiber optic module relative to the fiber optic equipment tray.